McMurry Athletics Says Good-Bye to Herman Hill; Last Surviving Member of First Championship Basketball Team

On Tuesday, July 30, 2013, the final link to the first great era in McMurry University basketball history quietly faded away with the passing of Herman Hill. Mr. Hill was the last surviving member of the McMurry basketball team that won the school's first-ever league championship, when it claimed the Texas Conference crown in 1934.

Born in 1914, Mr. Hill put up an enviable "99" on life's scoreboard before the Lord took him for His "home team."

As a part of that 1933-34 then-Indians hoops team, he was the last remnant of a championship group that paved the way for what is today a flourishing program that has enjoyed a long history of success. He was also a reminder of a simpler time in basketball, earmarked by set shots, basketballs with laces, tight uniforms, low-scoring games and spirited rivalries…many of which still dot the McM schedule today!

Beyond the basketball court, he was the epitome of an involved student and campus leader. He was a member of IHR, Alpha Chi (president as a senior and vice-president as a junior), Senior Class Vice-President, business manager for the War Whoop student newspaper, Press Club, and Student Government as a Representative. He also headed up The Totem, McMurry's yearbook.

The passing of Herman Hill is a reminder to all McM faithful of the gratitude owed to him – and numerous others who wore the Maroon & White so many years ago – for the legacy of excellence they forged for today's McMurry athletics teams.